Mobile Check Deposit
Photograph a check. No bank trip.
What you need
- Smartphone with camera.
- Bank's app installed.
- Login to bank app.
- Pen for endorsement.
- Good lighting.
- Dark surface (table).
Step by step
- 1. Endorse check back: signature.
- 2. Add "For mobile deposit only" or your bank's phrase.
- 3. Open bank app.
- 4. Find "Deposit" button.
- 5. Choose account.
- 6. Type amount.
- 7. Photo of front (corner-aligned).
- 8. Photo of back.
- 9. Submit.
Photo tips
- Flat surface — table.
- Dark contrast background.
- All 4 corners visible.
- No shadows.
- Good lighting (daylight).
- Camera straight above.
- App auto-captures.
After deposit
- Money appears in 1-2 business days.
- Some hold larger checks longer.
- Email confirmation usual.
- Don't throw check away yet.
- Wait until cleared (3-5 days).
- Then write "DEPOSITED" + date.
- Shred after 60 days.
Common errors
- "Image unclear" — retake with better light.
- "Endorsement missing" — sign back first.
- "Amount mismatch" — type exact amount.
- "Deposit limit" — call bank for raise.
- "Stale check" — over 6 months old.
- Try again from beginning.
When NOT to mobile deposit
- Foreign currency checks.
- Postdated checks.
- Checks for tax payments.
- Cashier's checks (varies).
- Money orders (varies).
- Over your bank's limit.
Save trips to bank
Mobile deposit replaces bank trips for most checks. Faster than mailing. Sister cards / birthday checks deposited from couch. Pension checks. Refund checks. Save $5 in gas every time. 95% of US banks offer. Call your bank if you don't see "Deposit" — they activate it.